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Cinco de Mayo (the "Fifth of May" in Spanish) commemorates Mexico's victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Unfortunately, this initial victory was short-lived. The French onslaught continued, and French forces ultimately succeeded in gaining control of the country and occupying it until 1867.
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day, as some assume. Mexico had officially gained its independence from Spain some four decades before the conflict with France . Mexico celebrates September 16 -- the anniversary of the start of its War for Independence from Spain -- as its Independence Day (called "Grito de Dolores").
In fact, Cinco de Mayo ranks as only a regional holiday in Mexico. It is not celebrated as a national holiday. But in the United States and in other parts of the world, it has developed into a celebration of Mexican heritage.
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Arts and Crafts for Cinco de Mayo |
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Children's Songs for Cinco de Mayo |
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Games for Cinco de Mayo |
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Language Activities for Cinco de Mayo |
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Recipes for Cinco de Mayo |
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Recommended Children's Books for Cinco de Mayo |
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Word Wall Cards for Cinco de Mayo |
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Links to Other Cinco de Mayo Resources |